Friday, November 30, 2007

Local Scene Update

The Radar Bros. new album, Auditorium, comes out January 28th on Merge. To celebrate, they’ll be doing the Monday night residency at the Echo in January. I’m looking forward to that.

As previously announced, The Parson Red Heads will be doing the Monday night residency at Spaceland in January. Some of the bands lined up to support them are: Everest, Mezzanine Owls, Golden Boots, Lonely H and Idaho Falls.

Meanwhile, Long Beach lads (and Cold War Kids buddies) We Barbarians will be doing the Silverlake Lounge residency in January.

Also in January, The Airborne Toxic Event will be doing a Thursday night residency at Spaceland. I know they sent me a listing of some of the bands that will be joining them, but I apparently deleted it. It was a very good list….

The Monday night booker at the Viper Room continues to do a great job. This Monday she’s got A Place to Bury Strangers (a NYC, JAMC-inspired band with a lot of buzz), In Waves and Eulogies. On 12/10 she’s got Eskimohunter and Let’s Go Sailing. On 12/17 she’s got Great Northern and Happy Hollows and on 1/7 she’s got the Deadly Syndrome. Make friends with them on Myspace and RSVP to get into any of those shows for free.

The Pity Party will be doing the Monday night Spaceland residency in February.

Rhino Entertainment is opening a store for the month of December at 8032 West Third Street. Expect to find Rhino Handmade stuff, vinyl, DVDs etc. This weekend is the grand opening with the Dublab DJs appearing on Saturday night from 6-10PM.

If you’re into indie rock and ice skating, Spaceland is hosting Spaceland on Ice on Thursdays at Pershing Square. 12/6 – Castledoor, 12/13 – the Movies, 12/20 – Henry Clay People, 1/3 – Mezzanine Owls, 1/10 – Chapin Sisters

Goldenvoice is starting to announce a bunch of shows next year. They’ve got shows with: The Circle Jerks, Dan Deacon, Chromeo, Mirah/The Blow, Ryan Adams, Autolux, Willie Nelson, Black Lips, Siouxsie (of the Banshees), Keren Ann, Magnetic Fields and the Cribs on the calendar.

Radio Free Silver Lake helped curate the Rock Against HD Event at Safari Sam's on Monday December 10th. A fine roster of local bands who promise to play new music. Catch: The Movies, Sarah Negahdari (Happy Hollows), The Spires, Western States Motel and Thailand.

Gimme Shelter is a benefit for the Spectrum Program (autistic children) at the New Roads School in Santa Monica. The show will take place at the Roxy on December 12th with Mandy Moore, Pete Yorn, Matthew Sweet, Susanna Hoffs and Phantom Planet. Tickets are $20 in advance.

According to Pitchfork, Lavender Diamond’s on the road with John Waters. Makes sense to me.

Henry Clay People are doing a Monday night residency at the Detroit Bar in December.

Lots of options on New Years Eve this year. There are a couple of big downtown festivals. Giant Maximus has DJ Z-Trip, LA Riots, MSTRKRFT, Lazaro Casanova, Tiesto and others. While Hard has Justice (DJ set), Peaches, 2 Live Crew, Steve Aoki, Busy P, DJ A-Trak, Softlightes and others. The Sweet & Tender Hooligans (Smiths tribute band) will be at Spaceland. Agent Orange will be at the Airliner. Cheap Trick plays the Canyon Club. Dengue Fever appears at the Temple Bar. Gram Rabbit plays the Echo. Salt-N-Pepa are at the House of Blues. Eagles of Death Metal are at the Roxy. Supersuckers play the Viper Room. Belinda Carlisle and Rufus Wainwright are at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Other recently announced 2008 shows:
Black Mountain @ Troubadour on 2/5
White Williams @ the Echo on 1/27
Danava / Acid Mother’s Temple @ the Echo on 3/13
Om @ the Echoplex on 1/20

Ticket Giveaway: Cave Singers @ the Echo

Cave Singers (photo by Johnny Leather via Flickr)

I've given away a lot of stuff this week, and here's another....
What: A free pair of tickets
Where: The Echo
When: Tuesday, December 4th
How: Send me an email at [dukeufo at hotmail] and tell me your favorite Matador Records band ever.
Download:
The Cave Singers' "Seeds of Night"

Live Music Options 11/30/07 - 12/2/07

Jonathan Richman Plays Safari Sam's Tonight

Tonight we have a night of living legends: Jonathan Richman, James Taylor, Carole King, Ozzy Osbourne, The Raspberries and Little Jimmy Scott.
Friday 11/30/07:

Book Signing Alert: Autumn De Wilde signs Elliott Smith @ Book Soup – 7:00PM

Ghostland Observatory @ the Fonda ($18) – This Austin duo is known for putting on an energetic live show. New West recently released a DVD of their forthcoming Austin City Limits performance.

Buddy @ Hotel Café – Wimpycore at its best. Buddy’s a talented guy.

Jonathan Richman @ Safari Sam’s ($15) – Early show at 7:00PM. Every once in a while I get really into those first three Jonathan Richman records.

Little Jimmy Scott @ the Echoplex ($28 GA / $32 seated) – The guy’s been putting out records since the 1950s and has appeared on Lou Reed albums and in an episode of Twin Peaks.

Unlimited Sunshine: Cake / Oakley Hall / Detroit Cobras @ Orpheum ($37.50)

The Raspberries @ House of Blues ($40) – Legends who bridged the gap between British Invasion and power pop. Eric Carmen.

Ozzy Osbourne / Rob Zombie @ Staples Center ($30-$100) – I doubt if he’s biting the heads off of any bats these days, but it’s probably still a decent spectacle.

Dust Galaxy / DJ Rob Garza / Ursula 1000 @ Knitting Factory ($25) – Dust Galaxy features Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation. This is a live performance, but I'm not sure if the people on the record (Primal Scream, etc) are in the touring band.

Aimee Mann Christmas show / Paul F. Tompkins / Grant Lee Phillips @ El Rey (Sold Out)

Hello Stranger / Io Echo @ the Echo ($5)

Fall of Snow / 8MM @ El Cid ($10)
Morris Teper / Restaurant / Crooked Cowboy @ Charlie O's ($5)

The Frequency @ Spaceland

The Decemberists / Laura Veirs @ Wiltern – Canceled

Carole King / James Taylor @ Troubadour ($225) – It sounds expensive, but it’s for charity and still cheaper than Neil Young (and a much smaller place).

Saturday 12/1/07:

The Entrance Band @ Spaceland – There’s a piece on Guy from Entrance in the LA Weekly this week. Tsk Tsk canceled.

The Lemonheads / Racoon @ Troubadour ($20) – I saw them on the It’s a Shame About Ray tour, which I still think holds up well.

Nicolay @ Grand Star Jazz Club in Chinatown ($5)

The Royal Highness @ Relax Bar – Danish stoner rock.

Gwendolyn & the Good Time Gang @ the Echoplex ($12 or $44 for a family of four) – This show is at 10:30 AM (that’s in the morning).

Check Yo Ponytail: Surkin @ the Echoplex ($10)

Jon Brion / Paul F. Tompkins @ Largo

John Butler Trio / Brent Dennen @ Orpheum ($30) – I went to Australia a few years ago and some girls were telling my friends and I that they liked John Butler. We had no clue who the hell he was.

Sea Wolf / Patrick Park / Sara Lov @ the Rhythm Lounge in Long Beach
Girl in a Coma @ the Roxy

Sunday 12/2/07:
In-store Alert: Brad Laner @ Family [436 N. Fairfax] - 8:00PM. Ex-Medicine.

Voxtrot / Division Day @ Fonda ($16) – I gave away tickets earlier this week. Congratulations to our winner. Voxtrot swears they’re holing up in the studio all next year, so this might be the last time you get a chance to see them for a while.
Download Voxtrot’s “Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives” and “Trouble

Live from Little Tokyo: Henry Clay People / Correatown / The Soft Hands @ All Star Lanes ($5) – A few local bands that you’ll want to keep your eye on in the coming year.

VHS or Beta / Foreign Born @ El Rey ($16) VHS or Beta play catchy, indie dance stuff. Foreign Born are a local band on the Dim Mak label who play more anthemic rock stuff. Their album’s worth checking out.
Download “In the Shape” and “Union Hall

Damon Suzuki / The Mae Shi / Anavan @ Safari Sam’s ($10) – Damon Suzuki was in Can. Any serious music collection should probably contain at least one Can record. The first one most of us pick up is Tago Mago.

The Locust / Yip Yip / Sleeping People @ Knitting Factory ($15) – Hard, noise band that might compete with that Safari Sam’s audience.

The Royal Highness @ The Scene – Danish stoner rock.

Soulsavers / Spain @ Troubadour ($20) – Downbeat producers who got Mark Lanegan to sing on their new record.

Oliver Future @ Hotel Café

Eugene Chadbourne @ Center for the Arts in Eagle Rock – One day when I was standing behind the counter at Sea Level, some guy came in and asked for Eugene Chadbourne records. When I said I wasn’t familiar with him, he acted like I was the dumbest guy on the planet.

Kimya Dawson @ the Smell ($5) – Ex Moldy Peaches

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Thursday Night Music Options 11/29/07

The Iron & Wine show last night was fantastic. The Orpheum’s a nice venue (except for all the completely insane homeless people outside) and we had fourth row, center stage tickets. The sound was atrocious the last time I was there for the Shins, but sounded great last night. I’m still a little iffy on the new Iron & Wine record, preferring the earlier stripped down material. But Sam Beam assembled an all star, eight piece band. I can sit around and watch pedal steel and vibraphone players all night. I tend to see a lot of amateurish bands (which I prefer to polished, manufactured dreck), but it’s nice to see such talented musicians. I was a big fan of the Thrill Jockey scene and I think a lot of his band comes from that scene. The older songs were given new, fuller arrangements which all pretty much worked for me. One of the arrangements bordered on being a little too chaotic and overpowering for Beam’s delicate voice, but even that was interesting to watch.

Thursday 11/29/07:

Dead Ponies @ Old Towne Pub in Pasadena – A good excuse to go out to Pasadena.

Spain / Let’s Go Sailing (acoustic) / The Minor Canon @ the Echo ($15) – Josh Haden’s Spain is performing their 1995 album The Blue Moods of Spain in its entirety. The Minor Canon and Let’s Go Sailing are both good openers. LGS has discounted tix if you hit them up on Myspace.

The Weather Underground / The Rolling Blackouts @ Silverlake Lounge ($8)

Club NME: The Hedrons @ Spaceland – All female Scottish band that has been on tour with Social Distortion.

The Nightwatchman @ Hotel Café

Carole King / James Taylor @ Troubadour ($225) – It sounds expensive, but it’s for charity and still cheaper than Neil Young (and a much smaller place).

Health Club / The Hectors @ the Scene

Letting Up Despite Great Faults @ the Prospector in Long Beach – A good excuse to go down to Long Beach (and visit Fingerprints while you’re there).

The Decemberists / Laura Veirs @ Wiltern – This show was canceled

Sea Wolf / Patrick Park @ Troubadour – This show was canceled

Prize Package Giveaway: West Indian Girl & Tank Theory T-Shirt

West Indian Girl

The giving continues at You Set the Scene. Today's offering is a CD/T-shirt prize package. One winner will receive:

West Indian Girl's new CD: 4th and Wall
A cool looking t-shirt with a baboon on it (see it here at Tank Theory)

To enter the contest send me an email at [dukeufo at hotmail] with the name of your favorite local album from 2007.

Download West Indian Girl's "To Die In LA"

West Indian Girl have an upcoming show at the Bordello on 12/13.

Dennis Wilson: "Rainbows"


Here’s my weekly reminder to tune into Little Radio today from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST for Sinking with Sylvia (and Sometimes Todd).

As you may know, Todd and Sylvia indulge me and give me one request each week. On October 18th my request was Dennis Wilson’s “Rainbows.” Wilson is often referred to as The Real Beach Boy (which is the title of a DW bio). He was the extroverted, athletic brother who loved the beach and ocean. Dennis has a fascinating story that only starts with being Carl and Brian’s brother and the drummer in the Beach Boys. He also befriended the Manson family, starred in the film Two-Lane Blacktop with James Taylor, dated Christine McVie from Fleetwood Mac and fathered a child with Shawn Love who is (allegedly) his cousin Mike’s daughter. Tragically, Dennis succumbed to his vices and drowned in late 1983. He would have turned 63 next week.

Fortunately for us music nerds, Dennis left behind a body of work. Perhaps his best (and best known) song is “Forever” from the Beach Boys’ fantastic Sunflower album. However, “Rainbows” comes from Dennis Wilson’s only officially released solo record, Pacific Ocean Blue. I’d been on the hunt for an original copy of the album for a very long time. Last Christmas, much to my delight, I unwrapped a copy on Christmas. The production and some of the arrangements make the record a product of the late 1970s. I picked “Rainbows” because it’s got such a euphoric feeling. It’s a love song with upbeat lyrics about loving and living life. There’s a lot of great piano work on the record and some heartfelt lyrics. You probably a pretty nasty bastard if you can listen to “Farewell My Friend” without getting a little choked up. The record is definitely worth owning and in desperate need of being reissued. Whether or not you should fork over an obscene wad of cash (as I’m sure my girlfriend did) for an original copy of the LP is a personal decision.

See a list of all Beach Boys songs featuring Dennis on lead vocals at Wikipedia.

Visit this very informative Dennis Wilson site (they’ve got a lot of info on getting a bootleg of the best version of his unreleased second solo album, Bamboo)

Watch the trailer for Two-Lane Blacktop HERE

Watch Dennis in the studio during “River Song” HERE

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Prize Package Giveaway: Carbon/Silicon



Carbon/Silicon is a collaboration between Mick Jones (Clash/Big Audio Dynamite) and Tony James (Generation X, Sigue Sigue Sputnik). They released their first official album at the end of October and they're coming to the US for two shows next week (LA and New York).
I'm giving away one prize package that includes:
Two tickets to see Carbon/Silicon at the Troubadour on Monday December 3rd
An autographed copy of their new CD, The Last Post
A free poster
To win, send me an email [dukeufo at hotmail] with the name of your favorite British punk band of all time.

Carbon/Silicon's website (lots of free MP3s)

Wednesday Night Music Options 11/28/07

Iron & Wine at Webster Hall (via Bumpershine's Flickr)
If you've been in post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas hibernation mode like me, tonight's a good night to get back out there. Musicians need money for the holidays too. I'll be at Iron & Wine, but La Cita, Airliner, Bordello and Silverlake Lounge have good options too.
Wednesday 11/28/07:

Iron & Wine / Califone @ Orpheum Theatre ($25) – This is where I’ll be. While I tend to prefer the stripped down, early Iron & Wine records, the new record is growing on me. He’s been touring with an eight-piece band that features lots of prominent Chicago musicians, so I’m curious. Califone is the opener and goes on around 8:00PM.
Download Iron & Wine’s “Innocent Bones” and “Lion’s Mane

Low End Theory Club: Entrance Band @ Airliner ($10 guests / $5 members) – The Entrance band has been high on my list of need to see for a while now. They’re also playing Spaceland on the 1st if you’ve got other stuff going on tonight.

The Moon Upstairs @ La Cita – Tee Pee Records presents this new night on the last Wednesday of every month. The Moon Upstairs put out one of my favorite local releases this year. Very well played, Harrison/late-era Beatles inspired stuff. La Cita is one of the most ridiculously hip places you can hang these days.

Twilight Sleep / Wrong Way Driver / Stereofix @ Silverlake Lounge ($7) – If you’re stalking the Silver Lake music establishment (of the Ship variety), this is a safe bet. Twilight Sleep is an ethereal band fronted by singer Tracy Marcellino. Wrong Way Driver is Brian Thornell’s newish band. BT has played with Pine Marten, Earlimart, Patrick Park, Afternoons as well as engineering some of the Silversun Pickups’ “Pikul.”

Jonathan Wilson @ Bordello ($8) – Wilson’s a talented local singer-songwriter who doesn’t play out that much anymore. He seems to instead prefer to host private jam sessions with pals like Chris Robinson, Jonathan Rice, Jenny Lewis, Farmer Dave and folks like that. He put out an album this year, but I still haven’t heard it (there didn’t seem to be much of a press push behind it).
Don Caballero / From Monument to Masses @ Safari Sam's ($14) - Math rock pioneers. See post earlier this week.

Eek-a-Mouse @ Echoplex ($10)

Carole King / James Taylor @ Troubadour ($225) – It sounds expensive, but it’s for charity and still cheaper than Neil Young (and a much smaller place).

Rolling Blackouts / Tsk Tsk @ the Scene

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Weekly New Music Releases 11/13/07


I'm rapidly closing the gap, but still two weeks behind. I suck.
For the week 11/13/07:

Top Five Most Interesting Releases of the Week:

The Hives: Black and White Album (A&M) – I’ve always gotten a kick out the Hives. Their music is fun and works well in the background of all the ESPN spots it’s in. This record’s not straight ahead garage rock like their other albums, but there are still enough anthems to please their fans.

Japancakes: Loveless (Darla) – My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless covered with pedal steel and cello (and instrumental). Sure it’s gimmicky, but still probably worth a listen.

Led Zeppelin: Mothership (Atlantic/Rhino) – 2CD retrospective with 24 remastered songs. There’s also a limited edition version with a DVD. If you’ve already got all the studio albums, you probably don’t need it. But if your nephews just getting into music, it’s probably a great gift.

LCD Soundsystem: 45:33 (DFA) – Originally an iTunes exclusive, now available on CD and vinyl.

Os Mutantes: Live at the Barbican Theatre 2006 (Luaka Bop) – Great band. Rita Lee wasn’t on tour with them, but I heard it was still pretty good.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:

Dirty on Purpose: Like Bees EP (North Street)

Duran Duran: Red Carpet Massacre (Epic) – I was never a fan, but I have seen them live and been at a party with Nick Rhodes.

Fancey: Schmancey (What Are Records) – Todd Fancey of the New Pornographers. His last album was okay, but I haven’t heard this one.
Download “Gulf Breeze

Richmond Fontaine: Live at the Doug Fir Lounge (El Cortez)

The High Violets: Satellite Remixes (Reverberation Records)

Robyn Hitchcock: I Wanna Go Backwards Box Set (Yep Roc) – Five disc collection. I haven’t spent much time with any of his solo records but I do like the Soft Boys (and I’ve seen him live).

House and Parish: One, One-Thousand EP (Arena Rock)

Alicia Keys: As I Am (Sony)

The Killers: Sawdust (Island) – Odds and ends collection featuring Joy Division and Kenny Rogers covers. A guest appearance from Lou Reed and a bunch of other b-sides/unreleased tracks.

Michael Showalter: Sandwiches & Cats (JDub Records) – From the State. Download “Intro to Erotica

Wire: Read and Burn 03 (Pink Flag)

Ticket Giveaway: Voxtrot @ The Fonda

Voxtrot In Action (photo by Chris Rose)


It's hard to believe that Voxtrot's debut full length came out this year. It seems like they've around forever. They've promised that they're going to hole up in a studio for most of 2008, so this might be your last chance to see them for a long time. I saw them earlier this year at the Troubadour and if you like indie pop, they're well worth seeing. I plan on being there. As an added bonus, Division Day is opening the show....
What: Free Concert Tickets
When: Sunday December 2nd
Where: The Music Box at the Fonda
How: Email [dukeufo at hotmail] and tell me your favorite Indian celebrity.
Downloads:

Tuesday Night Music Options 11/27/07

Cass McCombs Play the Fonda Tonight


Tuesday 11/27/07:

Jose Gonzalez / Cass McCombs @ The Fonda ($23) – Whenever I hear a Jose Gonzalez song on the radio or TV I tend to stop and listen for a while. He’s a singer-songwriter who pretty much personifies Morning Becomes Eclectic. He covers Knife and Massive Attack. Cass McCombs is a talented singer-songwriter who used to live here, but lives in Chicago now.
Download Cass McComb’s “That’s That” (via Spin)

Japanese Motors / Franklin for Short / Natural Disasters @ Tangier ($5) – If you’re looking for some local (ish) bands and don’t want to leave LA proper, then this is your best bet.

Le Switch / Henry Clay People @ Prospector in Long Beach – A chance for the Long Beach folks to see a couple of the hardest working and most promising LA bands.

Mike Doughty @ Hotel Café (Sold Out) – Ex-Soul Coughing

Johnette Napolitano / David J @ the Roxy ($21.50) – Ex-Concrete Blonde

Los Campesinos / The Most Serene Republic @ the Echo ($15) – This show has been moved from the Troubadour to the Echo

The Slow Poisoner @ Hyperion Tavern (Free) – Don’t blame me, it’s the LA Weekly’s pick.

Straylight Run @ El Rey – THIS SHOW IS CANCELED

Monday, November 26, 2007

Ticket Giveaway: Don Caballero @ Safari Sam's

Check in each day this week for giveaways.....
What: Free tickets to see them
Where: Safari Sam's (the show was moved from its original location)
When: Wednesday November 28th, 2007
How: Email me [dukeufo at hotmail] and tell me who your Touch and Go band of all time is/was. The deadline is Wednesday morning at 9:00AM.
Free Downloads:
From Monument to Masses' "The Noise Thereafter"

Monday Night Music Options 11/26/07


Welcome to the working week. Note the Spaceland show has been moved to the Echoplex. Check back in later today. I'm going to be running a giveaway for tickets and CDs each day this week.....
Monday 11/26/07
Free Residencies:

Restaurant / Devon Williams / Tsk Tsk @ the Echo (Free)

Airborne Toxic Event / Cavil at Rest @ Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa (Free)

Casxio with guest Sam Sparro / Love Lies Sleeping @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)

Voxhaul Broadcast / Le Switch @ Viper Room ($10 or free w/ RSVP to Viper Room)

The Softlightes @ Echoplex (Free) – Attention – this show was moved to the Echoplex because Spaceland is closed for filming.
Not Free (and kinda far):
Band of Horses @ Glasshouse in Pomona ($19)

Sunday, November 25, 2007

New Releases 11/6/07


As I start to reflect on my albums of the year, I need to catch up on my weekly releases of what came out this year.

11/6/07

Top New Releases:

Citay: Little Kingdom (Dead Oceans) - The best way to describe this one is mellow stoner rock. It's full of guitar jams and informed by a lot of your favorite music from the 1970s. There are songs that sound like acoustic Led Zeppelin, and Meddle-era Pink Floyd. If you love zoning out to guitar riffs (both acoustic and electric) then you need to pick this one up.
Download "First Fantasy"

Clipd Beaks: Hoarse Loads (Lovepump United) –
Download “Melter” and "Black Glass" and "Manipulator"

Grizzly Bear: Friends EP (Warp) - 11 songs and odds and ends with members of Beirut, Atlas Sound, Dirty Projectors, CSS, Band of Horses.

Jay-Z: American Gangster (Roc-a-Fella) - This one has gotten strong reviews from Pitchfork, EW, RS, AMG, etc.

Gram Parsons and Flying Burrito Brothers
: Gram Parsons Archive Vol. 1 (Amoeba) – This is a two disc live set from the Avalon Ballroom in 1969 that was found in the Grateful Dead vaults. This one's a great pickup (or gift) for the Parsons/Burritos fan. If you've heard the Sin City bootleg from around the same period, this one's a bit better. The recording quality is high and while the vocal performance is a little spotty at times, there are a few great moments as well. The fact that they titled it Gram Parsons even though it was the Burrito Brothers and Vol. 1 make it seem like there are more releases to follow.

White Williams: Smoke (Tigerbeat6) - The blog community and Pitchfork have embraced this one. AMG compares it to early Eno records.

Other Noteworthy New Releases:

Black Swans: Change (Southern)
Download "Change"

Bright Eyes: Motion Sickness (Team Love) – Live recordings including an Elliott Smith cover.

David Byrne: The Knee Plays (Nonesuch) - Reissue

By the End of Tonight
: Complex Full of Phantoms (Temporary Residence)

Neko Case: Blacklisted (Anti) - Remastered
Neko Case: Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Anti) - Remastered
Neko Case: Furnace Room Lullaby (Anti) - Remastered

Imani Coppola: The Black and White Album (Ipecac)

The Drift: Ceiling Sky (Temporary Residence)

Merle Haggard
: Legends of American Music – Original Outlaw (Time Life) – Three disc box set. The Capitol box set is the one you should pick up.

His Name Is Alive: Sweet Earth Flower – Tribute to Marion Brown (High Two)

[LOCAL] Jeremy Jay: Airwalker EP (K Records) - At the Smell on 12/7 and the Troubadour on 1/8

Brad Laner
: Neighbor Singing (Hometapes) - Ex-Medicine. Getting some good reviews. At Family (solo acoustic) on 12/2
Download "June Gloom"

Minipop: New Hope (Take Root)

Nas: Greatest Hits (Sony)

The Pine Hill Haints
: Ghost Dance (K Records)

Sigur Ros: Hvarf/Heim (XL Recordings) – It’s getting knocked on Amazon for not having any new material. The first disc is five old songs and the second disc is six songs re-recorded live.

60 Watt Kid: 60 Watt Kid (Absolutely Kosher) - At the Smell on 11/29 and Pehrspace on 12/1
Download "Oscinarf Nas"

Bobb Trimble: Harvest of Dreams (Secretly Canadian) - This was his 2nd album from 1982.
Download "The Fantasy"

Bobb Trimble: Iron Curtain Innocence (Secretly Canadian) - Lost psych-Beatles inspired album from 1980 reissued by the excellent SC label. His voice is a love it or hate it kind of thing. Download the track to see where you stand.
Download "One Mile From Heaven"

The Wedding Present
: Live 1987 (Manifesto)

Richard Youngs: Autumn Response (Jagjaguwar) - Acoustic guitar driven album from the experimental chameleon.
Download "Low Bay of Sky"

Friday, November 23, 2007

Beck @ Echoplex This Sunday

Tickets go on sale today at 5:00PM for Beck at the Echoplex on Sunday night.

Purchase HERE.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Live Music Options 11/22/07 - 11/25/07

Cold War Kids Play the Wiltern on Friday

Thursday 11/22/07:

Happy Thanksgiving - stay home and play Rock Band or go see No Country for Old Men

Friday 11/23/07:

Cold War Kids / Richard Swift / We Barbarians @ Wiltern (Sold Out) – Silversun Pickups and Cold War Kids released their albums last year, but they both broke nationally in 2007. There was a time when I regularly saw CWK on random nights at Spaceland and in the small room at the Knitting Factory. At first I resisted them, but somewhere along the way I started to appreciate them. I even got into a bitchy email fight with an insecure, Midwestern, wannabe hipster (read: Pitchfork writer) about them. Anyway, like SSPU they’re now able to sell out the Wiltern. Opener Richard Swift put out one of my favorite releases this year. It’s just solid ass songwriting. The other opener, We Barbarians, are doing the Monday night residency at the Silverlake Lounge in January.
Download Richard Swift’s “Paisley Park” and “Kisses for the Misses

Exitmusic / Adeline @ El Cid ($8) – Nice local lineup.

Artichoke @ Mr. T’s Bowl

White Out (with Nels Cline) / Alasdair Roberts / Charalambides @ Spaceland ($10) – Solid lineup.

TSOL / DI @ Echoplex ($18)

Circus Minor @ Bordello ($10)

Saturday 11/24/07:

Band of Horses / The Drones / Tyler Ramsey @ Avalon (Sold Out) – I must have seen Band of Horses three or four times when they toured for their first album. They got better each time, but they still don’t quite sound like their records. The lead singer seems like a nice enough “aw shucks” type of guy. The new record’s a little disappointing to me.
Download BoH’s “Is There a Ghost

Why? / The Happy Hollows / Half Handed Cloud @ Spaceland ($10) – Why? Is a NoCal Anticon band. The Happy Hollows are one of the local bands to keep your eye on in 2008. They could be part of the next wave to break out of the LA scene. HHC is part of the Sufjan/Danielson indie Jesus mafia.
Download Half Handed Cloud “Feed Your Sheep a Burning Lamp

White Magic / Luke Top @ the Echo ($10) – Drag City band.

Gram Rabbit @ Safari Sam’s (Free / $5 under 21) – Gram Rabbit recently did the Monday night Spaceland residency.

Aceyalone @ Viper Room

Sunday 11/25/07:

Rademacher / Karin Tatoyan / One Trick Pony @ All Star Lanes in Eagle Rock ($5 includes free shoe rental)

Reno In LA: Neil Hamburger / Abe Lincoln Story @ Spaceland ($8)

Wednesday Night Music Options 11/21/07

Angela Correa (Correatown) Plays the Bordello Tonight


There's no work tomorrow, so no excuses tonight.
Wednesday Night 11/21/07:
Club NME: Madchester Night with Pop Noir / The Prayers / Repeater @ Spaceland – For the brit-pop/Madchester fans. This should be a good time. DJs Dia and Tita will be spinning all your favorite Madchester music in between sets. Nobody has to work tomorrow, so it’s a good night to take advantage of the $1 Dewars (after midnight).
Merrick / Correatown / The Pity Party / Benji Hughes @ Bordello ($10) – For the NPR/KCRW fans. Strong lineup. Merrick was Inara George’s pre-Bird and the Bee band. I saw Correatown last week for the first time (Angela Correa with a backing band). Correa’s got a pretty voice and good songs. There’s a reason she got a song on the Walk Hard soundtrack and in an up coming Grey’s Anatomy episode (she goes on at 8:00PM, so get there early). Pity Party is one of those bands that used to play a ton, but has pulled back a lot recently. They keep getting better and better.

Travis / Maximo Park @ Wiltern ($37.50) – Somehow I’ve seen Travis a few times. I wouldn’t call myself a fan, but they’ve written a handful of pretty good songs.

Dirty Harry @ Viper Room ($10) – For the Sunset Strip.

Hangar 18 @ Airliner – For the underground hip-hop, Definitive Jux fans.

Suicidal Tendencies @ House of Blues (Sold Out) – For the older harcore fans.

Spindrift @ the Echo (Free) – For the hippie-hipsters. Psychedelic spaghetti Western

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Tuesday Night Music Options 11/20/07



Tuesday 11/20/07:

Let’s Independent: Hearts of Palm UK / Letting Up Despite Great Faults / Marvelous Toy @ Boardner’s (Free) – HOPUK won the Biore award and $20k for best up and coming female music artist. I’m a fan of LUDGF album, but I haven’t seen them live yet. It sounds a little bit like Aaron Espinosa singing over some Jimmy Tamborello beats.
Download LUDGF’s “I Hear You Drowning But I’m Tied” and “Maybe I’ll Hide with You

Ranch Party: Merle Jagger / Dave Gleason / King Straggler @ Spaceland ($8 / $5 with flyer) – It’s Hannah’s birthday party too.

Van Halen @ Staples Center ($50-$150) – Up until about fifth grade Van Halen was my favorite band. I used to listen to them on my Walkman on the bus all the time. I still think I’d enjoy seeing them live (if I didn’t have to pay that is).

Isis / Big Business @ Troubadour ($17) – Head pummeling.

Merrick / John Gold @ Bordello ($10) – Merrick features Inara George .

The Soft Hands @ Silverlake Lounge ($5)

Silverchair @ the Wiltern ($26)

Diana Ross @ Gibson ($45-100)

?uestlove DJ Set @ Crash Mansion ($5)

Now On @ the Echo ($10)

Meiko @ Hotel Café

Tweak Bird / The Front / Tsk Tsk @ the Scene

Monday, November 19, 2007

Monday Night Music Listings 11/19/07


I did my duty last week and went out three times. I enjoyed the end of the Jealous Girlfriends on Monday at the Silverlake Lounge. I enjoyed Correatown and the Broken West on Wednesday at Bordello. I enjoyed Amateurs on Friday at Spaceland (but totally missed I Make This Sound who I'd also hoped to see).
Monday 11/19/07:
Free stuff-

The Softlightes / Sunday Drivers / Arizona / Unbusted @ Spaceland (Free) – The Softlightes are the resident band. It’s catchy, electro-pop. If you're looking for a good crowd tonight, I'm guessing this is your best bet.

Restaurant @ the Echo (Free)

Airborne Toxic Event / Cavil at Rest @ Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa (Free)

Casxio / Meho Plaza / B.R.A.M. @ Silverlake Lounge (Free)

Pop Noir / Ari Shine @ Viper Room ($10 or free with RSVP to Viper Room) - Sam Sparro had to cancel.
Pay for this stuff-

Daughtry @ Orpheum Theatre ($32.50) – Who is Daughtry? [Update - I guess he was a contestant on American Idol]

Sarah Silverman @ Largo (Reservations Booked)

Friday, November 16, 2007

Weekend Music Options 11/17/07 - 11/18/07

No Age Play the Smell Sunday (photo from their Myspace page)


Saturday 11/17/07:

M. Ward / Foreign Born @ Cal State LA – M. Ward’s a great guitar player.

The Warlocks / Darker My Love / The Moon Upstairs @ Troubadour ($14) – The Warlocks have a new album out on Tee Pee. Darker My Love’s label (Dangerbird) is giving their entire album away for free on their website. They’re a powerful live band. The Moon Upstairs’ record will be on my top 10 local list this year. Very George Harrison.
Download The Warlocks “So Paranoid

Jenny Owen Youngs / Sean Hayes @ Bordello ($14)

Smokey Hormel @ McCabe’s ($15) – Western Swing night with an all star band including Greg Leisz and Joey Waronker

Demons / Smegma @ the Echo ($5) – Early show at 5:00PM

Fear / The Gears @ Safari Sam’s ($20) – Lots of old hippie and old punk shows this weekend.

Sunday 11/18/07:

Rademacher / Earlimart (Aaron and Ariana only) / Tigers Can Bite You @ Spaceland (Free) – Rademacher’s giving away two more of the songs from their upcoming album at Aquarium Drunkard today. Seeing all these bands for free is tough to beat.

No Age / Mika Miko / Jay Reatard / The Strange Boys @ the Smell ($8) – This will get full. Earlier this week I linked to the New Yorker article on No Age.

No Go Know / Karin Tatoyan @ All Star Lanes in Eagle Rock ($5 includes shoe rental)

Nickel Creek @ House of Blues ($25)

Grande Ole Echo: Old Californio / Mike Stinson / I See Hawks in LA @ the Echo (Free) – 5:00– 9:00PM – This show will be taped for a film on the LA Country Scene. These are three of the best bands in the scene.

Gene Loves Jezebel @ Safari Sam’s ($18)

Bodies of Water Sign to Secretly Canadian


Secretly Canadian announced today that they've signed LA band, Bodies of Water. They'll be helping BoW out with distribution on their previously self-released debut (out Dec. 4th in the US and 1/22 in ROW). Look for a new album in Spring 2008.

Download "I Guess I'll Forget The Sound, I Guess, I Guess"

BoW joins great company. Secretly Canadian's got one of the most impressive roster of bands right now: David Vandervelde, Richard Swift, Jens Lekman, Damien Jurado, Magnolia Electric Co./Jason Molina, Danielson, Antony & the Johnsons and more.

Friday Night Music Options 11/16/07

Neko Case at Stagecoach (photo by me or Sylvia? I can't remember)

Friday Night (11/16/07):
In-Store Alert: Six Organs of Admittance @ Amoeba (Free) – 6:00 PM

Amateurs / I Make This Sound / Nightfur / Model K @ Spaceland – There are much bigger names playing tonight, but it’s all so damn expensive. This is my pick because it’s the best value (and you won’t have to pay $8 -$25 to park like most of these places and you can buy a beer for under $5). Amateurs are a local band that got an A- on Stylus (R.I.P.) and Bronson gave them a good review HERE.

Neko Case @ Walt Disney Concert Hall ($35-$95) – This would be a great place to see her. I enjoyed seeing her at Stagecoach last year but the tix are a little too spendy for me.

Ya Ho Wa 13 / Sky Saxon & the Seeds / Entrance / Hecuba @ the Echoplex ($18) – I saw Sky Saxon once when they still had bands at the Big Foot Lodge. It made me very sad and I felt like warning children about the dangers of hallucinogens. I am curious to see Entrance.

Aids Wolf / Xbxrx / HEALTH / Abe Vigoda @ the Smell ($8) – This makes my head explode just thinking about it.

Puffy AmiYumi @ Key Club ($28) Japanese pop.

The Dickies @ Knitting Factory ($17) – Old ass punks.

Dios (Malos) @ Alex’s Bar in Long Beach

Army Navy / The Strange Boys @ the Echo ($5)

Lyrics Born / Ryan Shaw @ El Rey ($18) – For the hip-hop fans.

The B-52’s @ the Roxy ($50) – I probably wouldn’t pay $50.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Thursday Night Music Options 11/15/07

Film School Play the Echoplex Tonight


Thursday Night Music Options (11/15/07):
[Recommended] Citay / The Moon Upstairs / Joseph Mattson with Ben Chasny / Sea of Air @ 1269 Gallery (Free w/ donations accepted) – Citay put out a new album last week on Dead Oceans. It’s really good. I plan on writing more about it later. It’s basically gentle stoner rock. The band features Ezra Feinberg, Tim Green (Fucking Champs) and the drummer from Tussle. The Moon Upstairs is well worth checking out too. Ben Chasny’s playing with Six Organs of Admittance tomorrow at Amoeba.
Download Citay’s “First Fantasy

[Recommended] Film School / Division Day / Eulogies @ Echoplex ($12) – Congrats to our contest winner. The new Film School album is out on Beggars. It's a nice slice of noise pop/shoegaze. Opening the show are local good guys, Division Day (new album on Eenie Meenie) and Eulogies (Dangerbird). Nice night of music.
Download Film School’s “Lectric

Annuals / Manchester Orchestra / The New Frontiers / Kevin Devine @ Troubadour ($14) – I saw the Annuals at Spaceland not that long ago. They’ve got a couple of good songs.

Benefit for WETANDDRY Studios: So So So / Sabertooth. Tiger / Aztlan Underground @ the Scene – Benefit for Manny Nieto to find a new studio.

Semi Precious Weapons / The Binges @ Viper Room ($12) – The Binges are doing the Monday night residency at Spaceland in December.

Calvin Johnson / Anavan @ the Smell ($8) – The man with the monotone.

The Forms @ 3 of Clubs

An Evening with the Source Family: Ya Ho Wa 13 @ Silent Movie Theatre ($15)

Golem @ the Echo ($10)

The King Khan and BBQ Show @ Spaceland ($8) – Mark Sultan

Correatown @ Hotel Café – They’re doing a Wednesday night residency at the Bordello and picking up additional shows I guess.

Plug Award Nominees

Plug Award Nominations are out.

Go here to VOTE

If you like to support local music consider these nominees:

New Artist: No Age / Sea Wolf

Male Artist: Devendra Banhart

Metal Album: Big Business

Hip-Hop Album: Busdriver

Punk Album: No Age / Silver Daggers

Avant Album: HEALTH / Liars (one of the guys lives in LA)

Song of the Year: Sea Wolf “You’re a Wolf”

Music Video: Liars “Plaster Casts of Everything”

Album Art/Packaging: Devendra Banhart – Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon / Patton Oswalt – Werewolves and Lollipops

Record Label of the Year: Anti / Dangerbird

Live Music Venue of the Year: Spaceland / Troubadour

Music Festival of the Year: Coachella

Music Blog of the Year: Aquarium Drunkard

Magazine of the Year: Filter / Under the Radar

Online Radio Station of the Year: Dublab / Indie 103.1 / KCRW / Little Radio

Record Store of the Year: Amoeba

College/Non-Commercial Radio Station: KCRW / KXLU

Specialty Radio Show of the Year (Commercial Radio): Jonesy’s Jukebox on Indie 103 / Dead Air on Indie 103

Radio Station Holiday Shows

It’s the holiday season and the radio stations are starting to announce their annual holiday concerts.

Tickets for the Indie 103 Bands in Toy Land celebration at the Avalon are already on sale. The show takes place on Wednesday December 5th and will feature performances by Datarock, Spoon, Pinback and Sea Wolf.

Buy Tickets for Indie 103 Bands in Toy Land HERE ($30)

KROQ has announced the lineups for their Almost Acoustic Christmas shows on December 8th and 9th at the Gibson, but no on sale date yet.

Day 1 appeals to one demo (not me) with a bunch of bands I’ve never listened to (with the exception of Bad Religion): Linkin Park / Angels & Airwaves / Avenged Sevenfold / Bad Religion / Paramore / Rise Against / Serj Tankian @ Gibson Amphitheatre

Day 2 appeals much more to my demo with a bunch of bands I’ve seen before and (most of which) I’d happily see again: Muse / Feist / Jimmy Eat World / Modest Mouse / The Shins / Silversun Pickups / Spoon @ Gibson Amphitheatre

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

The Left Banke: "Lazy Day"


This is my weekly reminder to listen to Sinking with Sylvia (and Sometimes Todd) on Little Radio Thursday morning from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Tomorrow their guests will be Film School who will be playing a show later that night at the Echoplex.

Each week on their show, I get a special one song request. I use my weekly pick as an opportunity to request and then write about a band I wouldn’t normally have a reason to write about (at least not in the context of an LA-centric music blog). My pick on the October 11th show was the Left Banke’s “Lazy Day.” The Left Banke gets credited as being one of the pioneers of baroque rock (basically rock ‘n’ roll with classical string arrangements). Their primary songwriter, Michael Browne was only 16 when he wrote the band’s biggest hit, “Walk Away Renee” in 1966. Sadly, the Left Banke released only one album with both Browne and singer Steve Martin on board. “Lazy Day” is one of the more upbeat tracks from that record.

I’d heard the Left Banke before, but the first time I really became aware of them was the late 1990s. I’d become pretty obsessed with Elliott Smith’s music after seeing him at No Life records in May of 1997. A cover of the Left Banke’s “Walk Away Renee” became a staple of Smith’s live shows in the late 90s. Like a lot of music nerds, I tend to carry around a list of albums that I’m looking for in my wallet. Cut to 2002. I’d recently moved back to LA from Austin and Amoeba had opened its doors. I was finally able to cross the Left Banke compilation, There’s Gonna Be a Storm – The Complete Recordings 1966-1969 off that worn list (and for under $8). Unfortunately the Left Banke’s material is hard to track down. If you see a copy of that CD for a reasonable price, you should pick it up (they go for about $50 on Ebay). Sometimes you can also find ‘80s compilations on vinyl for a reasonable price. Browne went on to work with Montage (worth picking up the reissue if you see it) and Stories (I haven’t been as impressed with their stuff).


Stream some songs on the Left Banke’s Myspace page
Watch “Walk Away Renee” on Youtube (they look so young)
Go to Sweet Adeline and download Elliott Smith’s cover of “Walk Away Renee”

Wednesday Night Music Options 11/14/07

The Broken West Love Their Label


Wednesday's Options 11/14/07:

[Recommended] The Broken West / Henry Clay People / The Monolators / Correatown @ Bordello ($8) – I plan on checking this show out. I still haven’t seen Henry Clay People, but everybody tells me I’ll like them. Unfortunately they go on at 8:30 tonight, so it will be tough for me to get there on time. The Broken West’s playing an acoustic set, which I’ve never seen them do before. They go on at 10:30. I know Jax and Joe like the Monolators, but I haven’t seen them yet either. Correatown’s doing a Wednesday night residency at the Bordello and go on at 9:30. The Aquarium Drunkard’s got two of live tracks from their Woxy session (including a Tegan & Sara cover).

Caetano Veloso @ Civic Auditorium in Pasadena ($40-$60) – The Brazilian singer’s a living legend. He helped invent the Tropicalia genre. I really haven’t heard any of his albums from the past 35 years, or I might be more tempted to go.

Club NME: Polytechnic / Castledoor @ Spaceland ($8) – Polytechnic’s in from Manchester to do a date in LA and a date in NYC. See what the BBC said about them HERE (Joy Division/Rapture comparisons). Castledoor just did the Echo’s Monday night residency last month.

The Valley Arena / The Forms / Signal Hill @ the Scene – Rock Insider and Radio Free Silver Lake are helping present this show. Joe at RFSL swears that Signal Hill put on one of his favorite shows this year.

Filter’s Revenge of the Sunset Strip: Oliver Future / Panda Band / Sara Lov / Marty from Gliss @ the Roxy ($11)

Athlete / Gemma Hayes @ Troubadour ($20) – Athlete’s a British band that I don’t know much about. I see a lot of Coldplay and U2 comparisons around them.

Rilo Kiley @ UC Riverside ($20) – It’s a trek, but if you love Rilo Kiley….

Franklin for Short / The Spires / Western States Motel (solo acoustic) @ Tangier ($5)

Silverbird / Sangre, Sangre! @ Silverlake Lounge ($8) – A couple of country-rock bands I haven’t heard yet.

Suzanne Vega @ El Rey ($24)

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

New Music Releases 10/30/07

Yeah, I realize this is two weeks late. But in the interest of being complete, here's what came out on October 30th. Only one release in the "most interesting" section this week.

Most Interesting New Releases:
Various Artists: I’m Not There Soundtrack (Sony) – This one’s worth picking up if you’re a Dylan fan or an indie rock fan. Thiry-four Dylan covers by Jim James, Sonic Youth, Cat Power, Eddie Vedder, Yo La Tengo, Iron & Wine/Calexico, Tweedy, Malkmus, Willie, and others. Yeah Yeah Yeah there are a few stinkers, but the quality of the recordings is high and it’s interesting to see how some of your favorite artists approach the material. A few artists decided they’d just try to sing it like Dylan, which wasn’t the best plan. I’m usually not a big fan of covers albums, but it works very well for Dylan, because I tend to like his songwriting better than I like his singing.
Other Noteworthy Releases:

Nicole Atkins: Neptune City (Columbia) – From the press release “at times vaudevillian, at others psychedelic; a little bit country, with a cabaret flair - all under a cloud of pop-noir. Her blend of melancholy lyrics over dreamy, theatrical compositions evokes comparisons to Rufus Wainwright, Jenny Lewis, and even Roy Orbison.”
Download “Party’s Over

Avenged Sevenfold: Avenged Sevenfold (Warner Bros.) – If you’re a teenager in the OC who works at the mall are you listening to this or are you listening to Justice and trying to sneak into Cinespace on a Tuesday night? I think it might be a toss-up at this point.

Ian Ball: Who Goes There (Dispensary) – One of the main guys in Gomez. This one’s apparently more piano/keyboard driven. He’s been playing a lot of solo shows around LA lately.

Buck 65: Situation (Strangefamousrecords) – Canadian hip-hopper.

Charalambides: Likeness (Kranky)

Eagles: Long Road Out of Eden – They released this exclusively through Wal-Mart and it still debuted #1 on the charts (over 700k sold).

Levon Helm: Dirt Farmer (Vanguard) – The Band never go out of style. There seems to be a rediscovery every few years. This is supposed to be a pretty good record.

Richard Lloyd: The Radiant Monkey (Parasol) – Television never go out of style. There seems to be a rediscovery every few years. This is supposed to be a pretty good record. Tom Verlaine seems to get a lot of the credit, but Lloyd’s right up there with him.

David Lynch & Angelo Badalementi: Twin Peaks Season 2 Soundtrack (Absurda/Lynch) – I used to have an upstairs neighbor who would play the Twin Peaks soundtrack about 16 times a day. I wouldn’t to jam some noiseless curtain rods up his ass a few times for that.

The Pillbugs: Monclovia (Rainbow Quartz)

Puscifier: V Is For Vagina (Pucifier Ent) – Side project from Maynard of Tool.

Sally Shapiro: Disco Romance (Paper Bag Records)
Download “He Keeps Me Alive

Britney Spears: Blackout (Jive)

Various Artists: Control Soundtrack (Rhino) – Not just Joy Division, but New Order, the Killers, VU, the Buzzcocks, etc. I hear the film’s good if you go into it knowing it’s a bio on Ian Curtis.

Various Artists: 30 Days of Night Soundtrack (Ipecac) - Brian Reitzell (Redd Kross) did the score.
Saul Williams: The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust (Fader) – Available from his website for either free or a $5 contribution. Produced by Trent Reznor.

Ticket Giveaway: Film School @ Echoplex


I've got one pair of tickets to giveaway for the Film School show at the Echoplex this Thursday night. As mentioned on the poster, the show will be filmed for the Eric Green documentary, Beautiful Noise (look at the IMDB entry for all the big name participants). Opening the show are Division Day and Eulogies.
Download Film School's "Lectric" and "Two Kinds"
Tune in on Thursday morning to hear Film School on Sinking with Sylvia (and Sometimes Todd) on Little Radio - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
To win the pair of tickets: email [dukeufo at hotmail] and tell me the most obnoxious thing you've ever heard a Northern Californian say about Southern California. The contest closes at 3:00 PM tomorrow.

Tuesday Night Music Options 11/13/07




Tuesday 11/13/07:


The Whigs / Wild Sweet Orange / Le Switch @ Spaceland – The Aquarium Drunkard presents this show. The Whigs were named one of Rolling Stone’s 10 bands to watch in 2006. They’ve got a new album coming out on ATO early next year. Wild Sweet Orange have a new EP that came out last Tuesday. Download Wild Sweet Orange’s “Wrestle with God


Spiritualized / Simple Kid @ Vista Theatre ($37) – Anybody go last night?


Emma Pollock / American Music Club / Two Sheds @ the Echo ($12) – Emma Pollock, the former Delgados singer, has a new album and it’s good.

Black Dice / No Age / Mika Miko @ Echoplex ($12) – Black Dice are experimental Brooklynites who are now on Paw Tracks. The LA Weekly has a feature on them this week. Opening the show are a couple of the better known bands from the Smell scene. You can read the article that Sasha Frere-Jones wrote about the Smell cene for the New Yorker HERE (both bands will be playing the Smell on Sunday if you’d rather seem them in their natural habitat).

Sondre Lerche @ Troubadour ($20) – Night two. He’s got a new album out (the soundtrack to Dan In Real Life).

Pieta Brown / Robert Francis @ Silverlake Lounge – He learned guitar from John Frusciante and has played with Ry Cooder. Pieta Brown appeared on Morning Becomes Eclectic this morning.
Download Robert Francis’ “One By One

KT Tunstall @ Avalon (Sold Out)

Monday, November 12, 2007

Monday Night Music Options 11/12/07

The Jealous Girlfriends Play the Silverlake Lounge Tonight
Monday 11/12/07:
The Free Shows:

Casxio / Jealous Girlfriends / Evan Voytas @ Silverlake Lounge (Free) – Bronson has a post about Voytas today. Teddy Geiger will be in his backup band. He also had a very positive review of the Jealous Girlfriends last week. Scott at Surfing on Steam also raved about them HERE.

The Softlightes / Dead Ponies / We Are Barbarians / Asher @ Spaceland (Free) – The Softlightes are the resident band. They play catchy, electro-pop. I like the Dead Ponies.

Restaurant @ the Echo (Free) – Restaurant is the resident band.

Airborne Toxic Event / Cavil at Rest @ Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa (Free)

Gliss / The Morning Benders @ Viper Room ($10 or free with RSVP through VR’s Myspace page)


Touring Shows:

Spiritualized / Simple Kid @ Vista Theatre ($37) – They’re generally an amazing live band, but I was hesitant to buy tickets because this tour is billed as “Acoustic Mainlines.” It promises strings and gospel singers. They’re the type of band where I prefer to be blown away by the sound waves. Also tomorrow.

Feist / Spoon @ Gibson Amphitheatre ($30) – The only thing that drives me more insane than hearing Feist’s “1, 2, 3, 4” coming from my TV is hearing that newer iPhone commercial with C.S.S.

Sondre Lerche @ Troubadour ($20)

Little Brother / Evidence @ El Rey ($19) – Hip-hop

Friday, November 09, 2007

Weekend Music Options 11/10/07 - 11/11/07

Jens Lekman Plays the Troubadour on Saturday

Saturday 11/10/07:

Stars / Lloyd Cole @ Orpheum ($23) – Arts & Crafts. BSS affiliates

Jens Lekman @ Troubadour (Sold Out) – Talented Swedish popster
Download “The Opposite of Hallelujah” and “Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo

The Ponys / Chin Up Chin Up @ the Echoplex ($12) – Matador recording artists.
Download The Pony’s “1209 Seminary” and “Poser Psychotic

The Minor Canon @ Pehrspace – I like.

Saturday Looks Good To Me / Princeton @ the Echo ($8) – Early show at 5:00PM. Indie pop.
Download SLGTM’s “Make a Plan

The Octopus Project / 8MM @ the Roxy ($10) – Flash your WGA card and get in free.

Nebula / Bonk @ Spaceland ($10) – It could be a stoner rock weekend.

Heavy Trash @ the Echo ($12) – Jon Spencer and Matt Verta-Ray

The Swell Season / Martha Wainwright @ Wiltern ($25) – Anybody see Once? I’m skeptical, but it go fantastic reviews.

Kaz Murphy @ O’Briens Pub

Zach Galifianakis @ Largo – He’s a funny dude.

Anavan @ the Smell ($7)

She Wants Revenge @ the Fonda (Sold Out)

She’s Your Sister @ the Scene ($8)

Meiko / Brandi Shearer @ Hotel Café

Sunday 11/11/07:

Rademacher / Sarah Negahdari / Karin Tatoyan @ All Star Lanes in Eagle Rock ($5) – Fun lineup. See my Rademacher on Friday for some free MP3s.

Cursive / Eskimohunter @ Spaceland (ltd tix available at door)
Download Cursive’s “Dorothy at Forty” and “Bad Sects

Of Montreal @ Glasshouse ($20)

The Walkmen / The Subjects @ Troubadour ($20)

Benefit for WETANDDRY studios: Moonrats / The Pity Party / Distortion Felix / Thee LA Gentleman Callers @ the Scene ($8 Donation) – WETANDDRY is Manny Nieto’s studio. He’s looking for a new space.